Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
06:46
Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Non-erosive reflux disease manifested exclusively by protracted hiccups
Andrés de Hoyos1, Edgar A Esparza, María Cervantes-Sodi
1Department of Gastroenterology, Angeles del Pedregal Hospital, México City, México.
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|November 25, 2010
Summary
Protracted hiccups, lasting over 2 months, can signal underlying health issues. This case study identifies non-erosive reflux disease as a potential cause, confirmed by objective diagnostic methods.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
Background:
- Hiccups are common but can indicate serious conditions when prolonged.
- Intractable hiccups (lasting >2 months) are often linked to severe pathologies.
- The connection between intractable hiccups and reflux disease lacks objective documentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between intractable hiccups and reflux disease.
- To present a case study of protracted hiccups caused by non-erosive reflux disease.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 23-year-old female with protracted hiccups.
- Exclusion of other organic pathologies.
- Diagnostic confirmation using endoscopy and conventional pH-metry.
Main Results:
- Non-erosive reflux disease was identified as the sole cause of protracted hiccups.
- Endoscopy and pH-metry provided objective evidence for the diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Non-erosive reflux disease can be an underlying cause of protracted hiccups.
- Objective diagnostic methods are crucial for identifying reflux as a cause.
- This finding expands the understanding of hiccup etiologies.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
01:25Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...
01:28Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists
Histamine H2 receptors, which are intricately located on the basolateral membrane of parietal cells, play a crucial role in modulating gastric acid secretion. When released from enterochromaffin-like cells, histamine engages H2 receptors, initiating the cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway. In this pathway, adenylyl cyclase converts ATP into cAMP, elevating intracellular cAMP levels. The activation of protein kinase A follows, stimulating the proton pump. This stimulation prompts the secretion of hydrogen...
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...